Earth boring machine carriage with detachable pusher ring and power frames

ABSTRACT

A machine for the horizontal boring of shafts for the insertion of pipelines where excavation from the surface is undesirable, such as under freeways or the like, which comprises a boring mechanism for forming the holes as well as the push function for advancing the pipeline casings. This novel arrangement includes a pusher ring frame which is removably mounted on the track means and a power means frame which is in turn removably mounted on said pusher ring frame such that the frames can be removed from one another or removed from the carriage as an assembly.

United States Patent Inventor Albert R. Richmond West Salem, Ohio App]. No. 867,815

Filed Oct. 20, 1969 Patented Oct. 5, 1971 Assignee The Richmond Manufacturing Company Ashland, Ohio EARTH BORING MACHINE CARRIAGE WITH DETACIIABLE PUSHER R1NG AND POWER FRAMES 4 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

U.S.Cl 173/154,

Int. Cl E21! 1/10 Field of Search 175/62,

7} I i 111w?" AA s 2,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,232,360 2/1966 Dickinson 175/171 X 3,402,781 9/1968 Sandberg 175/171 Primary ExaminerErnest R. Purser Attorney-Schmieding and F ultz ABSTRACT: A machine for the horizontal boring of shafts for the insertion of pipelines where excavation from the surface is undesirable, such as under freeways or the like, which comprises a boring mechanism for forming the holes as well as the push function for advancing the pipeline casings. This novel arrangement includes a pusher ring frame which is removably mounted on the track means and a power means frame which is in turn removably mounted on said pusher ring frame such that the frames can be removed from one another or removed from the carriage as an assembly.

PATENTEUUCT 519m 3 610 SHEU 1 UF 3 INVENTOR. ALBERT R. RICHMOND g H H ATTRNEYS PATENTEDAHBT 5m SHEEI 2 [IF 3 INVENTOR. ALBERT R. RICHMOND 2" deli: AT RNEYS PATENTEUHCT 5:971

SHEET 3 0F 3 n9 om INVEN'IOR. ALBERT R. RICHMOND ATT NE V8 EARTH BORING MACHINE CARRIAGE WITH DETACIIABLE PUSHER RING AND POWER FRAMES This invention relates to portable earth boring machines and more particularly to a machine adapted for horizontal boring of shafts for the insertion of pipelines where excavation from the surface is undesirable.

In general, the machine of the present invention is of a novel split design which includes a power means that is longitudinally movable along a base means from which is detachably removable. In general, the power means is adapted to rotate an earth boring auger and in addition, functions to drive a hydraulic pump for supplying pressurized fluid to hydraulic cylinders mounted on said base means, said cylinders serving to provide a pushing apparatus for driving pipe easing into the hole in the earth formed by said auger.

It should be mentioned that when the power means assembly is mounted in its normal position on the base means, it performs both the boring function for forming the hole as well as the pushing function for advancing the casing. When desired, the power means can be quickly removed from the base means and lifted from the trench and positioned adjacent thereto on the ground surface. At such surface location the above-mentioned hydraulic pump on the power means can be connected to the hydraulic cylinders of the pushing apparatus while it is still positioned in the trench by flexible extension conduits. Hence the pushing apparatus can be operated to advance the casing even though the power means has been removed from the trench to provide room for hand mining if desired.

In accordance with the present invention the boring machine is provided with power cylinders mounted on the base means for advancing and retracting the carriage and power means assembly mounted thereon and such power cylinders are so arranged to apply force in an axially straight line direction notwithstanding the removability of the power means from the track means.

As another aspect of the present invention the power cylinders, utilized for advancing the augers and casings, are arranged to be integral components of the base means thereby permitting the power means to be removed therefrom as an assembly.

As another aspect of the present invention the power cylinders for driving the casings are uniquely arranged to cooperate with an advanceable cylinder base assembly so as to provide an adjustable direct line power application to the casing driving mechaniam.

As another aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned base assembly, together with the power cylinder mechanism are uniquely arranged .to eliminate bending stresses on the tracks formed by the base means thereby assuring accurate directional control of the boring machine.

As still another aspect of the present invention the boring machine is provided with an auxiliary casing pushing frame which can be mounted on the previously described base means, which integrally includes the casing pushing apparatus as part of its assembly, in lieu of the power means assembly during operational conditions during which the machine operators find it advantageous to hand mine the hole in the earth, without using augers, and yet at the same time be able to advance the casing into the earth as they mine it.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an earth boring machine of the type described that includes power cylinders mounted on the base means for advancing and retracting the carriage and power means assembly mounted thereon and wherein such power cylinders are so arranged to apply force in an axially straight line direction notwithstanding the removability of the power means from the track means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an earth boring machine of the type described wherein the power cylinders, utilized for advancing the augers and casings, are arranged to be integral components of the base means thereby permitting the power means to be removed therefrom as an assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an earth boring machine of the type described wherein the power cylinders for driving the casings are uniquely arranged to cooperate with an advanceable cylinder base assembly so as to provide an adjustable direct line power application to the easing driving mechanism.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an earth boring machine of the type described wherein the above-mentioned base assembly together with the power cylinder mechanism are uniquely arranged to eliminate bending stresses on the tracks formed by the base means thereby assuring accurate directional control of the boring machine.

It is still another object of tlfe present invention to provide an earth boring machine of the type described that is provided with an auxiliary casing pushing frame which can be mounted on the previously described base means; which integrally includes the casing pushing apparatus as part of its assembly, in lieu of the power means assembly during operational conditions during which the machine operators find it advantageous to hand mine the hole in the earth, without using augers, and yet at the same time be able to advance the easing into the earth as they mine it.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred form of embodiment of the invention is clearly shown.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an' earth boring machine constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a base means and pushing apparatus comprising a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base means of F IG; 2; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the base means of the preceding Figures showing an auxiliary casing pushing frame adapted to be assembled thereon.

Referring in detail to the drawings, FlG. I illustrates the complete boring machine of the present invention which includes a base means indicated generally at 20, a removably mounted powermeans indicated generally at 22, and a spacer means indicated generally at 24. Referring particularly to base means 20, this assembly includes spaced longitudinally extending tracks 26 and 28 which are mounted on transverse frame members 30, the latter being positioned in the bottom of the trench.

A carriage indicated generally at 32 is provided with rollers 34 disposed on the tracks whereby power means assembly 22 can be moved longitudinally thereof in connection with the boring and casing pushing operations in a manner later to be described. i a

It should be mentioned that tracks 26 and 28 are provided with flanges 36, which permit the end to end attachment of a plurality of such track sections.

With continued reference to base means 20, carriage 32 is advanced and retracted with respect to tracks 26 and 28 by means of double acting power cylinders 38 each of which includes a forward pivotal connection 40, with a downwardly extending flange 14 on carriage 32. Power cylinders 38 each includes an extendable rod 44 pivotally connected at rear pivot pins 59 to an advanceable cylinder base assembly indicated generally at 46 and described in detail in my copending application Ser. No. 867,814 filed Oct. 20, 1969.

It should be mentioned that the longitudinal axes of power cylinders 38 are positioned substantially parallel with the track members 26 and 28 as a result of the above-described mounting arrangement on cylinder base assembly 46 and carriage 32.

In general, such advanceable cylinder base assembly 46 includes manual actuator 48 which, when actuated, releases assembly 46 to be advanced and locked in a direction toward the right as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4, thereby permitting power cylinders 38 to advance carriage 32 in connection with the boring and casing pushing operations.

Referring next to power means 22 such assembly includes an internal combustion engine 50 which drives a transmission 52, the latter being drivingly connected to a gear reduction unit 54, which unit includes an output shaft for driving an auger coupling 56 used for the hole boring operation.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the machine further includes a master casing pusher ring assembly indicated generally at 60 which includes an annular guard 62 provided with a discharge hole 64 for releasing the earth drillings rearwardly of the auger.

A vane member 66 mounted on auger coupling 56 is rotated therewith and functions to discharge the drillings outwardly through hole 64.

it should now be mentioned that master casing pusher ring 60 is normally mounted on power means 22 by bolting same to the front of the power means at bracket 70. Hence master casing pusher ring 60 is removed from the trench along with power means 22 when the latter is lifted therefrom by means of a lifting bracket 72.

However, it should be further mentioned that master pusher ring 60 can be readily removed from power means 22 at the mounting bracket 70 and a master casing pusher ring of different diameter can be substituted therefor. For example, a 36-inch master casing pusher ring, used for installing 36-inch pipe casings can be removed from power means 22 and a larger master casing ring, for example one of 48 inches in diameter, can be installed thereon for advancing the larger diameter casing sections.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the master casing pusher ring-60 can be utilized independently of direct attachment with power means 22, after such power means has been removed from the excavation, by mounting the pusher ring 60 on a separate pusher ring frame indicated generally at 150 which includes side members 158, transverse frame members 154 and 156, and braces 159-161 on which pusher ring assembly 60 is mounted at the bolted flanges 163-165.

it should be further mentioned that when separate pusher ring frame 150, FIG. 4, is utilized such frame includes locating means or slot 96-A adapted to receive the tongue or locating means 98 on carriage 32. In addition, separate pusher ring frame 150 includes a second clamp portion formed by flanges 92-A and slots 116-A for receiving the first clamping portions 108-118 mounted on the carriage.

Reference is next made to a quick disconnect mounting means construction indicated generally at 90 which is utilized for removably mounting power means 22 on carriage 32 of base means 20 or if larger diameter push rings are used, for mounting such power means 22 on spacer means 24 which is in turn mounted on said carriage 32. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, it should be mentioned that quick disconnect mounting means 90 are adapted to permit use as a boring machine either with or without the spacer means 24 and toward this end the power means 22 is provided with a top flange 92 and side flanges 94 which form a locating means for a slot 96, the latter being adapted to receive either a tongue or locating means 98 on carriage 32, or if the spacer means 24 is used, a tongue or locating means 100 on such spacer means.

in the event spacer means 24 is used, in connection with the larger diameter push rings, then the tongues 98 on carriage 32 are positioned in a recess 104 formed in the bottom of spacer tongues 100.

Quick disconnect mounting means 90 further include first clamp portions in the form of rods 108 pivotally mounted to flanges 110 at a pivot 112. The upper end of rod 108 is removably inserted in a second clamping means provided by the open end of slot 116 and a nut 118 is either tightened or loosened with respect to flange 92 when power means 22 is installed for removal from carriage 32 on the base means.

in operation, the boring machine of the present invention is transported to the excavation site in disassembled sections and, in a typical installation such as where a pipeline is to be installed under a highway an excavation trench is dug adjacent to one side of the highway embankment and base means 20 is lowered down onto the floor of the trench by means of the lift rings 27.

in the event that smaller sized master casing pusher rings such as the 36-inch size is to be utilized, then the means 24 is not required and hence power means assembly 22 is lowered down into the trench with a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, coupled to lift brackets 72, and such power means 22 is located on base means 20 by the tapered tongue portions 98 which locate themselves within the recesses 96. Quick disconnect clamping means are next utilized by swinging rods 108 into slots 116 with nuts 118 being tightened down against flanges 92.

The workmen next assemble, at ground level, a plurality of auger sections, for example a 4-foot length within a casing section which may be for example, l2-feet long. The casing section, with the auger sections assembled therein, are next lowered by the lifting apparatus into the trench in a position forwardly of power means 22 and the first auger section is next coupled to power means 22 by inserting its shank into drive socket 57 of drive coupling 56. Also, it should be mentioned that the casing section is positioned with its rear and inserted into annular guard 62 of master casing pusher ring 60 with the end of such casing section abutting the front end of an inner casing engaging flange 65 whereby axial thrust is applied directly to the end of the casing section.

The engine 50 of power means 22 is next energized to rotate auger spindle 56 and auger coupled thereto and the auger casing sections are advanced into the drilling engagement with the embankment by double acting pushing cylinders 38 which are driven by pressurized fluid from a pump 120 connected to an extension end of pushing cylinders 38 via conduit 122. The other ends of pushing cylinders 38 are connected to the reservoir on power means 22 by a conduit 124. It should be mentioned that the pushing cylinders 38 are energized by a control valve means indicated generally at 126.

It should further be mentioned that the pushing cylinders 38, hydraulic conduits 122 and 124, and control valve mechanism 126 are reversible such that hydraulic conduit 124 can be connected to pressure and conduit 122 connected to reservoir so as to retract carriage 32 with respect to base means 20.

With continued reference to operation of the boring machine, as the boring progresses the operator advances pushing cylinder mounting means 46 along base means 20 and toward the hole by actuating levers 48 inwardly, with respect to the tracks, and moving the assembly 46 forwardly to a new location. Such forward adjustment of the pushing cylinder mounting means permits the boring and pushing apparatus to be advanced to and mounted at a new location thereby permitting the operator to drill a hole deeper and advance the casing further into the embankment. After the previously described casing section is advanced completely into the embankment, power means 22, and carriage 32 on which it is mounted, are retracted by means of double acting power cylinders 38 and the advanceable cylinder base mounting apparatus 46 is retracted to a position on the rear of the base means 20 with rollers 49 serving to transport such apparatus to the rear of the track means.

it should be mentioned that the first casing section, and the first group of auger sections positioned therein, are left in position in the embankment with the reannost auger section being uncoupled from auger drive coupling 56.

A second casing section with auger sections assembled therein, is next lowered into the trench forwardly of the boring machine and the forward end of such second casing is moved into abutting relationship with the first previously inserted casing section and joined thereto by welding. The rear end of the second casing section, and the rear end of the assembled auger sections therein, are next coupled to master casing pusher ring 60 and auger drive coupling 56 in the manner previously described, with the forward one of the newly inserted auger sections being coupled to the previously driven rear auger sectron.

The machine is next operated in the manner previously described with the cycles of operation being repeated as required.

It should be mentioned that when the boring machine is operated on a grade for inclined or declined boring and pushing operations, the operator can utilize a manual brake assembly indicated generally at 130 which includes a pivoted lever 132 which is pivoted to the power means at a pivot 135 such that when a pedal 136 is depressed a brake shoe portion 138 is forced downwardly into frictional engagement with the top surface of track 26. It should be mentioned that shoe 138 is mounted on the lower end of a rod 140 which is vertically mounted for slideable movement in a guide 142.

I claim:

1. A portable earth boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and including a forward cylinder mount disposed between said track members; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft; a gear reduction unit mounted on said power means frame and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth boring auger; a casing pusher ring mounted on said power means frame; mounting means for detachably removing said power means as an assembly; cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, and a rear cylinder mount disposed between said track members;

latch means for locking said cylinder base mounting means at various locations along said track members; and power cylinder means disposed between said track means and including a front connection with said front cylinder mount and a rear connection with said rear cylinder mount; and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduit means disconnectably coupled to said power means.

2. A portable earth boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and including a forward cylinder mount disposed between said track members; power means including power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said power means frame and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth boring auger, and a casing pusher ring mounted on said power means frame; a first locating means on said carriage and including a first clamp portion; a second locating means on said power means frame and including a second clamp portion, said clamp portions being detachably connectable for removal of said power means frame from said carriage as an assembly; cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, and a rear cylinder mount disposed between said track members; latch means for locking said cylinder base mounting means at various locations along said track members; and power cylinder means disposed between said track means and including a front connection with said front cylinder mount and a rear connection with said rear cylinder mount.

3. A portable earth boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and including a forward cylinder mount disposed between said track members; casing pusher ring frame means adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage and including an annular pusher ring mounted on the forward end thereof; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said casing pusher ring frame means, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said power means frame and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth boring auger; mounting means for detachably mounting said casing pusher ring frame means and said power means frame on said carriage, said mounting means including a first locating means on said carriage, a second locating means on said pusher ring frame means, a first clamp portion on said carriage, and a second clamp portion on said power means, said clamp portions being detachable for removal of said power means frame and pusher ring frame means from said carriage; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, and a rear cylinder mount disposed between said track members; latch means for locking said cylinder base mounting means at various locations along said track members; and power cylinder means disposed between said track means and including a front connection with said front cylinder mount and a rear connection with said rear cylinder mount.

4. A portable earth boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members and a carriage mounted for movement along said track members; casing pusher ring frame means adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage and including an annular pusher ring mounted on the forward end thereof; mounting means for detachably mounting said casing pusher ring frame means on said carriage, said mounting means including a first locating means on said carriage, a second locating means on said pusher ring frame means, a first clamp portion on said carriage, and a second clamp portion on said pusher ring frame means, said clamp portions being detachable for removal of said pusher ring frame means from said carriage; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, and a rear cylinder mount disposed between said track members; latch means for locking said cylinder base mounting means at various locations along said track members; and power cylinder means disposed between said track means and including a front connection with said front cylinder mount and a rear connection with said rear cylinder mount. 

1. A portable earth boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and including a forward cylinder mount disposed between said track members; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft; a gear reduction unit mounted on said power means frame and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth boring auger; a casing pusher ring mounted on said power means frame; mounting means for detachably removing said power means as an assembly; cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, and a rear cylinder mount disposed between said track members; latch means for locking said cylinder base mounting means at various locations along said track members; and power cylinder means disposed between said track means and including a front connection with said front cylinder mount and a rear connection with said rear cylinder mount; and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduit means disconnectably coupled to said power means.
 2. A portable earth boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and including a forward cylinder mount disposed between said track members; power means including power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said power means frame and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth boring auger, and a casing pusher ring mounted on said power means frame; a first locating means on said carriage and including a first clamp portion; a second locating means on said power means frame and including a second clamp portion, said clamp portions being detachably connectable for removal of said power means frame from said carriage as an assembly; cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, and a rear cylinder mount disposed between said track members; latch means for locking said cylinder base mounting means at various locations along said track members; and power cylinder means disposed between said track means and including a front connection with said front cylinder mount and a rear connection with said rear cylinder mount.
 3. A portable earth boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and including a forward cylinder mount disposed between said track members; casing pusher ring frame means adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage and including an annular pusher ring mounted on the forward end thereof; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said casing pusher ring frame means, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said power means frame and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth boring auger; mounting means for detachably mounting said casing pusher ring frame means and said power means frame on said carriage, said mounting means including a first locating means on said carriage, a second locating means on said pusher ring frame means, a first clamp portion on said carriage, and a second clamp portion on said power means, said clamp portions being detachable for removal of said power means frame and pusher ring frame means from said carriage; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, and a rear cylinder mount disposed between said track members; latch means for locking said cylinder base mounting means at various locations along said track members; and power cylinder means disposed between said track means and including a front connection with said front cylinder mount and a rear connection with said rear cylinder mount.
 4. A portable earth boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members and a carriage mounted for movement along said track members; casing pusher ring frame means adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage and including an annular pusher ring mounted on the forward end thereof; mounting means for detachably mounting said casing pusher ring frame means on said carriage, said mounting means including a first locating means on said carriage, a second locating means on said pusher ring frame means, a first clamp portion on said carriage, and a second clamp portion on said pusher ring frame means, said clamp portions being detachable for removal of said pusher ring frame means from said carriage; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, and a rear cylinder mount disposed between said track members; latch means for locking said cylinder base mounting means at various locations along said track members; and power cylinder means disposed between said track means and including a front connection with said front cylinder mount and a rear connection with said rear cylinder mount. 